Author: Kylie Davis

How gardens can add a ‘touch of magic’ when you sell

Have you ever wondered why some houses achieve great sales prices while others are passed in at auction or languish on the market, slowly losing their value in the eyes of buyers? What is the magic formula for a successful property sale? Our agents will tell you there’s no “magic” but a combination of logical…
Read more

Five ways to create an eco-friendly home

As environmental awareness continues to rise, the demand for energy-efficient and sustainable homes has surged, prompting a shift in the features that buyers now look for in their next home.   Eco-conscious buyers are actively seeking properties that align with their values and have cheaper energy costs. Sellers are responding by incorporating green features into upgrades.…
Read more

Rents rises slowing but more than twice inflation

The cost of rents is slowing but continues to grow at more than twice the level of our 2.5%  inflation rate, according to the new National Rent Report released by Rentals.ca. Average monthly rents are now $2,201 with increases registering in Vancouver and Toronto. While the growth in rental costs is at its slowest for…
Read more

Quiet market set to ignite with more rate cuts on the way

It’s the calm before the storm – two interest rate cuts are now complete but the housing market remains stubbornly poised for growth as buyers and owners wait to see the impact. Home sales fell 0.7% in July, compared with the June numbers, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA).  June had recorded a…
Read more

How hard will the BoC go on the next rate cut?

For months now, owners have been keeping a keen eye on the falling rate of inflation in the hope it would signal cheaper mortgage costs and boost the property market. Now Canada’s inflation is 2.5%. It doesn’t mean anything is any cheaper, but it signals the fast pace of price rises, which most global economies…
Read more

Should you open a branch of The Bank of Mom and Dad?

Parents are being called the “Sandwich Generation”, caught between helping their own children as well as their mothers and fathers, a consequence of living longer. The days when parents’ greatest concern was paying for the kids’ college education have now morphed into helping them onto the property ownership ladder. It’s amazing to think that almost…
Read more

Affordability emerging as Canadians enjoy two rate cuts

WIth two interest rate cuts under our belt, and more promised by the Bank of Canada, how is this affecting the spending power of those wanting to buy their first home, or upgrade to a bigger property? So far, Canada has seen rates cut for two successive months, moving the cost of cash from 5%…
Read more

Sales are up with more homes coming onto the market

A chink of light has appeared at the end of the tunnel of American property sales.  For the first time in five months home sales are up, rising 1.3% in July compared with June and signaling a potential turning point. Using annualized figures, America is on track to buy and sell 3.95 million homes over…
Read more

Prepare your home for buyers with these six tips

What’s the true secret to a successful home sale? Is it location, size, design, price or presentation? Of course, it’s a combination of all of these facets of a property. The most powerful factor will depend on the individual buyer.  However, there’s one element homeowners often underestimate despite the advice of their agent: the importance…
Read more

Seven ideas to maximize the value of your home before sale

It takes planning and discipline to prepare your home for sale and achieve your dream deal. Depending on the condition of your home, only a few cosmetic improvements may be needed so you can focus on delivering buyers a five-star presentation. If your home requires a little more TLC, it’s usually best to undertake those…
Read more